Intel Core i7-2630QM vs Intel Core i7-2637M

Intel Core i7-2630QM

The Intel Core i7-2630QM is a fast quad core processor for laptops. It is based on the Sandy Bridge architecture and offers Hyperthreading to handle 8 threads at once (for a better usage of the pipeline). Compared to the previous Clarksdale quad-cores, the i7-2630QM is now manufactured in 32nm and offers an integrated graphics card and AES functions. The difference to the similar 2635QM is the slower Turbo Boost clock rate for the integrated GPU (1100MHz versus 1300MHz) and the different package (rPGA versus BGA). Compared to the faster Core i7, the 2630QM does not feature the Trusted Execution and the VT-d functions.

Sandy Bridge is the evolutionary successor of the Arrandale architecture. The most noteable improvements are the new 265Bit AVX instructions, the improved Turbo 2.0 and the integration of the graphics card into the 32nm CPU core.

Der i7-2630QM offers an integrated graphics card ( Intel HD Graphics 3000) which is clearly faster then the older Intel HD Graphics in the Arrandale CPUs. As the new GPU is included in the CPU, it is also manufactured in 32nm and shares the fast level 3 cache with the CPU cores (using a new ring bus). In the 2630QM it is clocked from 650-1100MHz (Turbo Boost).

Furthermore, an improved dual-channel DDR3 memory controller is included on the CPU die that is used by the CPU and GPU part.

The performance of the Core i7-2630QM should be about 10-15% faster than a similar clocked Clarksfield Core i7 (see first tests by Anandtech). Therefore, the 2630QM should be on a level (or even faster) than a Core i7-920XM Quad-Core.

The quad core CPU is still rated at 45 Watt TDP but now the integrated graphics card is also included (compared to the old Clarksfield Quad Core processors).

Intel Core i7-2637M

The Intel Core i7-2637M is power efficient ULV (Ultra Low Voltage) processor for thin and light laptops. The base frequency of 1.7 GHz is relatively low, but due to Turbo Boost 2.0, the CPU may clock up to 2.8 GHz (on core loaded, 2.5 GHz with both cores loaded). However, this depends on the cooling and power consumption of the laptop. Due to HyperThreading, the i7-2637M is able to handle 4 threads in parallel. Compared to the slower i7-2617M, the 2637M offers a higher clock speed (processor core and turbo, graphics turbo).

Sandy Bridge is the evolutionary successor of the Arrandale architecture. The most notable improvements is the improved Turbo 2.0 and the integration of the graphics card into the 32nm CPU core.

The integrated Intel HD Graphics 3000 clocked at 350 or 1200MHz (Turbo Boost). Due to the slower clock rate without the Turbo, compared to HD Graphics 3000 in 35W and 45W processors (usually clocked at 650 base speed in non LV processors), the performance should be noticeable lower.

The performance of the CPU should be a bit higher than a similar clocked Arrandale Core i5. Thanks to the high Turbo Boost frequencies, the performance should be similar to the Core i3-2310M. However, the laptop cooling system has to keep the processor relatively cool for the Turbo Boost to work often.

The TDP of 17W (includes the integrated GPU and memory controller) allows the use of the 2637M CPU in small subnotebooks.